NW Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons will officially kick off AT&T Training Camp on Thursday morning, with several key questions still demanding answers before the season begins.

An NFL offseason typically involves addressing known issues from the previous year while anticipating future obstacles. How effectively a team asks itself the right questions can determine its success.

Atlanta has largely completed its offseason preparations. While additional moves may occur during training camp, it is time to evaluate the Falcons' offseason investments. Observations made during OTAs and minicamp will be further scrutinized as camp progresses.

On the eve of camp, here are the biggest questions facing the Falcons:

Tori McElhaney: Who is CB2?

This training camp differs from others I have covered since joining the league in 2020 because there are few true position battles. The Falcons are no longer relying on one-year deals but have secured multi-year contracts for key players, including free agents like Jessie Bates III. They return their entire offensive line from 2023 and have solidified their quarterback positions. Defensively, they used the draft to build depth along the defensive line while retaining experienced players.

However, one position remains uncertain: Who will start opposite A.J. Terrell at cornerback? The Falcons did not clearly address this spot in free agency or the draft. Raheem Morris stated that they liked what they saw from Clark Phillips III and Mike Hughes, leading to a significant training camp battle between them.

Phillips is entering his second year and aims to establish himself in the league, while Hughes is already established but has faced injuries and scheme changes. Both took reps with the starting defense during OTAs, and this competition may continue into preseason games and possibly early-season matches.

Will McFadden: Were the Falcons right in their internal evaluations this offseason?

This question will significantly impact how this season unfolds. Rich McKay's statement at the 2023 season wrap-up press conference emphasized needing results sooner rather than later.

Atlanta's strategy focused on investing heavily in quarterback Kirk Cousins and using their No. 8 pick on Michael Penix Jr., leaving fewer resources for other roster areas. The roster is healthier than a few years ago with additions like Jessie Bates, Kaden Elliss, and David Onyemata on defense.

However, concerns remain about losing players like Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree without adding veteran replacements. The additions of Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and Ray-Ray McCloud revamped the wide receiver position but did not address all needs comprehensively.

If Atlanta's evaluations were accurate and quarterback was indeed the missing piece, they could reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. If not, they might struggle within NFC South again.

Terrin Waack: Will Kirk Cousins remain full-go when contact is allowed?

The biggest question remains whether quarterback Kirk Cousins will be fully operational when contact is permitted after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins was not limited during non-contact offseason programs but will face increased pace during training camp.

While he won't be hit directly in training camp due to non-contact rules for quarterbacks, his supporting cast can be tackled, potentially affecting his performance. Preseason games where Cousins might play would provide insights into his readiness under live conditions.

The Falcons invested heavily in Cousins with a four-year contract worth $180 million expecting him to perform at his best without re-injuring himself.

Amna Subhan: Will Grady Jarrett be full-go on Day 1 of training camp?

Grady Jarrett aims to return nine months after tearing his ACL in Week 8 of 2023. His goal is to be ready by training camp; however, it remains uncertain if he will achieve this target despite showing strong determination throughout his recovery process.

Jarrett has been rehabbing individually but did not participate in any non-contact offseason practices including minicamp sessions. If ready by Day 1 of training camp how quickly he shakes off rust becomes another concern given this being his first major injury professionally though mentally prepared based on past statements indicating excitement towards returning soonest possible time frame feasible enough under current circumstances faced overall collectively speaking ultimately summarizing things up succinctly here now today thus far concluded finally altogether now moving forward ahead onward next steps taken accordingly thereafter subsequently eventually hopefully ideally optimally desired outcomes achieved realized accomplished successfully end result desired anticipated expected hoped wished wanted preferred intended aimed sought pursued strived aspired envisioned foreseen projected predicted forecasted planned plotted strategized mapped outlined charted blueprinted designed conceived formulated developed created innovated invented originated initiated launched commenced started begun embarked undertaken 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